HOW TO ESTABLISH AND TO RUN A SUIT

William Blackstone, an 18th-century English jurist, judge and member of parliament, said, “That the king can do no wrong is a necessary and fundamental principle of the English constitution.”

At the bridge table, a king — or a queen, for that matter — can be played at the wrong time. How is that relevant to this deal? South is in three no-trump, and West leads the spade nine in answer to his partner's overcall. What happens after that?

South starts with seven tricks: two spades, two hearts and three clubs. He must set up his diamond suit. But since that means losing the lead twice, the defenders have time on their side, if they use it wisely.

First, East, from his partner’s lead, knows that South has A-J-6 or AJ-6-4 of spades. When you are trying to establish a suit in which declarer has two winners, make him use up one of them as soon as possible — and trick one is not too early.

East should overtake the spade nine with his 10 (or encourage with the eight). South wins with his jack, plays a heart to dummy's king, and leads the diamond queen.

East must not cover an honor with an honor. He must play low and hope partner has the ace. Here, West wins the trick and returns his second spade. East can now set up his suit while he still has the diamond king as an entry. The defenders take three spades and two diamonds.

Note finally that if East plays the spade queen at trick one, South ducks and will make his contract. When West is in with the diamond ace, he will not have a spade left to lead. Copyright United Feature Syndicate (Asia Features)